Tangled Web UK Review December 2009
The Murder of Diana Devon and Other Stories by
Michael Gilbert
hbk out October 09
Published by Hale
at £18.99
The late Michael Gilbert was not only a fine and versatile novelist, but also one of the most smoothly accomplished exponents of the short story. Robert Hale have done him proud in recent years, by publishing books that bring together his previously uncollected (and sometimes very hard to find) work, and this final volume of uncollected pieces is most welcome.
John Cooper has, as with two previous Gilbert collections, edited and introduced the book, and his enthusiasm for Gilbert’s work shines through. It’s an enthusiasm I share, for whenever you start a Gilbert story, you are quickly plunged into the action, with carefully yet economically drawn characters, and swiftly yet convincingly described settings.
There are eleven previously uncollected short stories, plus two that have not been published at all before - quite a coup for editor and publisher, who both deserve congratulation. There are also two radio plays - tales of espionage which introduced his gentlemanly spies Calder and Behrens - and even a poem. Now it has to be said that, as you might expect with previously uncollected work, that not all of it shows Gilbert at his absolute best. For instance, there is a competition story, ‘The Killing of Karl Carver’, which offers a solution, but no explanation - rather frustrating! But frankly, this is a minor quibble. There’s a lot to enjoy here, and Gilbert fans are sure to relish this book.
(
Martin Edwards
- author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries)
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